AFC BOURNEMOUTH supporter Sir Desmond Swayne has claimed safe standing in football stadiums would be less dangerous for people who currently stand in seating areas.
During a discussion in the House of Commons, the New Forest West MP suggested safe standing would “discourage” fans who currently insist on standing in seating areas.
Culture, media and sport junior minister Tracey Crouch said enforcement powers are in place to deal with persistent standing. She also said allowing safe standing areas would not necessarily prevent persistent standing elsewhere in stadiums.
Safe standing schemes are currently not permitted in the Premier League or Championship.
West Bromwich Albion, who were relegated from the Premier League earlier this month, had an application for implementing a 'rail seat' safe standing section turned down by the Government in April.
Following an online petition that obtained more than 100,000 signatures a debate has been scheduled in Parliament to take place on June 25.
AFC Bournemouth are in the process of formulating plans for a new stadium in Kings Park. It is not known whether Cherries will explore a safe standing section in their new home.
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